02/12/01 – Neethlingshof (South Africa) Sauvignon Blanc 2001

Neethlingshof (South Africa) Sauvignon Blanc 2001
Last week I couldn’t choose which of two excellent sub-6 Sauvignons to recommend, so the simple solution is to feature the other contender this week. I remember Jancis Robinson on her television Wine Course arguing that Sauvignon Blanc could never make a truly ‘great’ white wine as it is not built to age and is rarely subtle or nuanced. On the other hand, there are few grapes which produce wines that can be so wonderfully vibrant, punchy and refreshing when served well chilled. This was the coolest vintage in Stellenbosch for many years, and that has favoured the Sauvignons. It is very fragrant with passion fruit and lush tropical aromatics and a crisp herbal edge. On the palate it is brimming with juicy orange, lemon and grapefruit zestiness in a fairly explosive mix; a great lip-smacking burst of fruit. Dry and nicely balanced, the finish is long and pure. Very good indeed. 5.99 Oddbins